Anyone renting in New York City has probably heard of splitting an apartment with a temporary wall. A pressurized or flex wall starts from $2,250 installed, depending on wall size and add-ons. In neighborhoods like Astoria, Bushwick, and the Upper West Side, it’s one of the most common ways renters turn a one-bedroom into two.
Temporary walls have been a cost-effective way to add privacy for years. Anyone renting a shared apartment and wanting a real, private room usually looks at one of a few wall types, each with its own trade-offs.
Types of Temporary Walls in NYC
A few wall types cover most renters’ needs. Each one fits a different situation, so it’s worth understanding the differences before you order one. Always get your landlord’s written approval before installing any of them.
Pressurized Walls
A pressurized wall is the most popular option. It runs floor-to-ceiling, giving it the look of a real wall. It’s called “pressurized” because it doesn’t attach to the ceiling or floor directly. Instead, its frame presses against the surrounding structure, which is what holds it firmly in place.
A pressurized wall is fully removable, without damage to the apartment’s original structure. Most NYC landlords approve them without much resistance, since the wall leaves no marks behind.
Freestanding Walls and Partial Walls
Unlike a pressurized wall, a freestanding wall doesn’t reach the ceiling and isn’t pressure-fit at all. It stops short of the ceiling line, so it doesn’t need the same kind of landlord sign-off in many buildings. It also skips a door, which means less privacy than a full floor-to-ceiling wall.
A partial wall is a separate option worth asking about if a freestanding wall doesn’t quite fit your space. Both are quoted at the site measure rather than a fixed price, since the right configuration depends on your room.
Bookcase Walls
A bookcase wall guarantees more storage and comes in a range of designs. It’s built with shelving on one side, so it holds books, storage bins, or décor while still dividing the room. If your apartment needs more space and more storage at the same time, a bookcase wall covers both.
Not sure which wall fits your apartment? Tell us your space and we’ll tell you exactly what it costs, free quote within the hour.
Get a Free Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a temporary wall in NYC?
A temporary wall is a partition that divides a room without nails, screws, or construction. Pressurized and flex walls run floor to ceiling using a pressure-fit system. Freestanding and partial walls stop short of the ceiling. Bookcase walls add built-in shelving on top of dividing the space.
How much does a temporary wall cost in NYC?
A pressurized wall or flex wall starts from $2,250 installed. A bookcase wall starts from $3,250. Freestanding and partial walls are quoted at the site measure. Get a free quote for an exact number.
Do I need landlord approval to install a temporary wall?
Yes. Written approval is required in most NYC rental buildings before any wall goes up, even a fully removable one. Most landlords approve pressurized and bookcase walls without much resistance, since the wall causes no damage.
